We are world apart in terms of time line but similarities make PNG no unique on contrast. I make this comparison in the light of unprecedented level of corruption and proliferation of gross misuse and abuse unhindered by politicians and bureaucrats at massive scale contrasting with successive governments. Corrupt rulers (both politicians & bureaucrats), false prophets, ungodly priests and paying bribes to Judges were norm during the reign of King Jotham (739 - 731 B.C) in the ancient past can’t be ignored as historical facts for school of thought.

Corruption riddled infamous O’Neil regime is well and truly aided by members of the judiciary adding new dimension in the fight against corruption and in so doing, institutionalising corruption and weakening the agency’s (Fraud Squad) efforts to fight corruption whilst minority few (OC, FS, Judiciary) fight tooth and nail as the needle is to the pole.

Furthermore, the dynamics of holding the fabrics of society together is being threatened when venerate Judges succumb to the offer of bribes.For instance, high profile court cases implicating the infamous government of Prime Minister Peter O’Neil, for some bizarre reasons, going through twist and turns unabated. In normal situation, significantly, high profile cases bringing disrepute and nearness of country to the breaking point should take the precedent over others. In contrast, continued deferment or delay on purpose defeats the all-purpose of instituting lawsuits. It is a deliberate act, calculated move and informed choice with full knowledge by those in position of responsibility in dispensation of justice.

Unscrupulous practices of similar magnitude were evident in the ancient past. People were downtrodden, deprived and exploited. Great social injustice inflicted or imposed on the poor and weak for selfish ends. Disparity gap widened and those in power and authority preyed on the commoners. Corrupt rulers, false prophets and ungodly priests combined to deprive and exploit the poor and the weak.

A little known minor prophet namely Micah from unfamiliar surroundings of Moresheth during the reign of King Jotham (739 - 731 B.C) called to vindicate the oppressed. Micah received clear mandate from God and endeavoured to right the wrong and helped alleviate the oppressed. Micah targeted the corrupt rulers, false prophets and ungodly priest. It is startling that Micah also exposed Judges bought by bribes and merchants who used deceptive weights. The sin pollution permeated every strata of society in Judah and Israel. One can get to read the background setting of Micah’s call to appreciate the historical facts surrounding his call.

There is a lot in common and below expounds what entails in the above narrative. In this post-modern era, we live in a rather sophisticated world of technology age. That does not in any way leverages us to indulge in unlawful means to make the ends meet by engaging in bad practices that are sinful in nature. Unscrupulous practices are in the increase unabated. The situation in PNG is no exception but replica of Micah’s time though we don’t have a prophet of Micah’s caliber but message is being heralded through media outlets yet appears unheeded.

The indicator from corruption perception index is the living testament of how corrupt PNG is on the scale courtesy of infamous O’Neil regime. People have vivid recollection of recycled crop of corrupt rulers (politicians) with their past tract record speaks volume of their questionable standing in the society.

Lying and thieving are intertwined no wonder with serial liar like O’Neil, stealing and lying is engrained and become his second nature so the saying “You Cannot Teach an Old Dog New Tricks” very well suits O’Neil.Reverting to corrupt rulers, there are two kinds. Politicians in one basket and the bureaucrats in another. With infamous tyranny of O’Neil regime, serial liar and king of deception (O’Neil) being well supported by retinue of like-minded politicians in cabinet and handful governors. Bureaucrats joined in the queue in the web of serial liar’s deceptive tactics are the commander of police hierarchy than Jeffery Vaki and now Gary Baki followed by Dairi Vele (Treasury Secretary). Apart from siphoning money in the state coffers through bogus means, kickback is well orchestrated running into millions of Kina. Isaac Lupari in the engine room is the principle architect orchestrating kickbacks and getting delayed controversial National and Supreme Court cases implicating his political master (the serial liar and king of deception).

Amongst the corrupt rulers, prophet Micah identified false prophets, ungodly priests and judges. Do the above categories of people ring the bell? Surely it does! We have crop of hooliganism mob mentality rulers ruling this nation evident by bending the laws on the land to pursue political ambitions. Alongside corrupt rulers, false prophets are emerging amongst the politicians evident by recent extravagant episodes. If not false prophet than show of ungodly character is on exhibition. I mean to refer to the one claiming to be mandated and sanctioned by Most High. The final group is the judges, most venerate of elite group revered in society.

Taking back to last year, can’t recall before or after the oppositions budget reply but vividly remember the leader of the opposition Hon. Don Pom Polye made a claim in a press conference televised in EMTV 6 o’clock news and I quote, “ PM is having tea and lunch together with Judges”. I’d like to think leader of opposition wouldn’t pluck it from the blues to make a baseless claim implicating the members of the judiciary. Surely, reliability of the information is from a definitive and credible source worth trusting.Should above claim is anything to go by, I am not surprised when controversial court cases filed for supreme court interpretation continued to get delayed from one year to another. The cases that can either break or make the country include:1. Supreme Court interpretation on extension of grace period on Vote of No Confidence from 18 months to 30 months filed by former Ombudsman Commission Ila Geno.2. Supreme Court interpretation on establishing asylum seekers processing center in Manus province filed by former leader of the opposition Hon. Belden Nerma.3. PM and Finance Minister’s arrest warrant on authorising the K71.8 million payout to Paul Paraka Lawyers which is getting complicated to say the least courtesy of venerate Judges.4. PM’s referral by Ombudsman Commission for the controversial UBS loan which Parliament never sanctioned. PM unilaterally handled and conspired with Treasury Secretary and Central Bank Governor to facilitate the transaction resulted in drawdown of the loan.5. Pending controversial K50 million payments to LR Israeli Company bypassing CSTB and procurement process and host more.

Of significant proportion, above nature of corruption are high level and in any democratic society, implicated leaders when exposed, without further delay, they tender resignation instantaneously. We need not look too far. Here is a shining example of thriving democracy. Bronwyn Bishop has resigned as Speaker of the House of Representatives following expenses spent amounting to more than $5,000 chartering a helicopter from Melbourne to Geelong in November (2015) to attend a Liberal Party fundraiser. http://www.abc.net.au/…/bronwyn-bishop-stands-down-as-speak…. NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell resigned for receiving a $3, 000 bottle of wine in 2011 from Australian Water Holdings (AWH) executive Nick Di Girolamo). http://www.abc.net.au/…/nsw-premier-barry-ofarrell-to-resig…

Intriguingly, in bizarre contrast, Westminster system of governance that we derived from, with our leaders, whilst indulging in corruption, walking in absolute freedom with jail terms hanging over their heads chanting, “Remain Innocent Until Proven Guilty by Court of Law”. This is evident of law enforcing agencies and Judges colluding with corrupt leaders negating dispensation of justice. Cases including election disputes get delayed and file up. Continued deferment of judgement annoys and frustrates the aggrieved party and keeps them in limbo guessing. It’s intentional and deliberate to either derail or distort justice with full knowledge. For no other valid reasons but surely money exchanges hands. For want of materialism, man have violated and compromised not merely the written laws but governing principles of ethical values, morality and Christian ethics to say the least that imparts meaning and purpose to life and ensuring societal order and organisation.

Whatever transaction that may transpire within the closed walls between principle parties or facilitated by third party, unbeknown to the public, they are given the benefit-of-doubt for continuum of life. However, there will come a point in time all deeds will be exposed. No amount of charity work or giving to the needy will square the shortcoming. Bible declares, God zooms down from on high and sees every place, beholding both good and bad (Proverbs 15: 3). Whatever committed in complete secrecy or under the cover of intense darkness, all is exposed. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil (Ecclesiastes 12: 14).

One can enjoy affluent lifestyle opulently with proceeds from corruption but is short-lived. Striking lucrative contract deals for massive kickback payouts, orchestrating other wheel & deal, wine & dine, how much can man gain the whole world and loose the soul?

There is a parable story narrated in the book of Luke has this to say, “There was a rich man dressed in purple, fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even dogs came and licked his sores. The beggar died and angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich also died and was buried. In Hades, he was in torment; he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. He called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, I am in agony in this fire. But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things. Now he is comforted here and you are in agony. Besides, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ He answered, ‘I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ No, father Abraham,’ if someone from the dead goes, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead (Luke 16: 19 – 31).In the context of above narrative, it appears like hell and heaven are in close proximity and one tormenting in hell can converse across with one in heaven. The parable implies the notion that one lacking materialism is rich in grace of God and the opposite is indicative of lack of grace of God. There will be no opportunity given in hell to make amend to buffeted life in besetment of sin. Opportunity to penitently transform life with contrition of heart is now whilst living but if the living can’t listen to the messages of God, one raise from dead will not impact and is of no effect.

It is understood that members of the judiciary are not above mediocrity with impeccable character. They are fallible beings subject to shortcomings, however, in some instances; some judgments are highly suspicious, questionable and weird raising lot of eyebrows. With those words, may I implore with the Judges to shun corruption on its face and uphold the Oath sworn to serve the people of this country without fear or favour! Extradite the bag log of high profile cases to restore some lost credibility and public confidence.

In conclusion, no credit rating for any Prime Minister let alone infamous Peter O’Neil/O’Steal. To Paias Wingti, his leadership was marred with Cayman Island money laundering scandal in 1994 and “Look North” policy resulting in Asians inundating PNG in container loads. Also responsible for successful demise of famous third level airline Tailair that serviced the remote areas in the country. Same is true with Sir Julius Chan for hiring Sandline Mercenaries in 1998 for military assault and massacre PNGeans. www.wsws.org/en/articles/1998/11/png-n05.html Not forgetting late Bill Skate distributing corrupt payment under hidden camera surveillance with his former advisor Mujo Sefa and exorbitant hire of K7 million consultant Chief Economic Adviser, Dr Pirouz Hamidian-Rad,(62) of Ikub consultancy firm in 1999 whilst serial liar and king of deception (O’Neil) was under apprenticeship. ttp://www.aph.gov.au/About/Parliamentary_Library/pubs/rp. Sir Rabbi Namaliu will be known for extending the grace period from 12 to 18 months. Sir Mekere Morauta, in his tenure as PM, will be long membered for demise of 3 students for protesting over government’s privatisation policy in 2001 www.wsws.org/en/articles/2001/06/png-j29.html. In finality, Sir Michael T. Somare tarnished his colourful leadership as father of the nation by sanctioning safe passage of Julian Moti to Solomon in PNGDF aircraft in 2010, allegation of building family dynasty and NEC allegedly dictated by kitchen cabinet. Every successive government has left a trail of legacy of bad management and really nothing to celebrate for after 40 years independence as a sovereign nation.

There is no railway service linking highlands and the coast let alone road connectivity. What are we to celebrate 40 years when services are of below mediocrity, dysfunctional and infrastructure of colonial era has dilapidated beyond repair? Port Moresby is becoming centre of activities and it isn’t all of PNG. In disguise of 40 years anniversary, again on the spending spree of K10 million alone in Moresby of the K25 million earmarked for anniversary celebration. When people crying for much needed help in temporary care centres of Manam people in Bogia! People are finding it tough to make the ends meet of the El Nino onslaught. Deaths being reported associated to dry spell. Government isn’t proactive and this is insanity.